Vassar College today announced plans to build a state-of-the-art lacrosse center, supported by a $5 million lead gift from alumna Pamela Mars Wright ’82, with a contributing gift from her niece, Stephanie Schuetz ’04. Continuing a multigenerational legacy of support, the project represents a significant investment in athletics and will enhance resources for student-athletes and the broader campus community. The facility will be home to men’s and women’s Varsity Lacrosse and will be accessible for club, intramural, and recreational play as well.

The two grass fields at Prentiss Sports Complex that have been identified for redevelopment are currently primarily used by Vassar’s lacrosse and soccer teams. As part of the project, one field will remain grass and the other will be converted into a multi-purpose turf field, together forming the Virginia C. Mars Lacrosse Center. The turf field will be named “The Ginnie,” while the grass field will continue to honor Betty Richey, one of Vassar’s longest-tenured coaches and sports figures.

“The Virginia C. Mars Lacrosse Center is another transformative step in strengthening Vassar Athletics,” Vassar President Elizabeth H. Bradley said. “Named for a beloved alumna and steadfast volunteer, the facility honors a lifetime of dedication to the College, a legacy now carried forward by Ginnie’s daughter and granddaughter. It is very exciting for all Brewers—Varsity athletes as well as recreational sports participants.”

Planned improvements include increasing the capacity of the bleachers to 300 spectators; a new scoreboard, press box, sound system, and field lighting; and the addition of a storage shed. Parking will also be expanded to include more than 70 additional spaces to better serve teams and visitors.

“The field turf will provide an improved surface for lacrosse, and greater scheduling flexibility for us and all of the teams,” Judy Finerghty, head coach of the women’s lacrosse team, said. “We are grateful for the generosity and support from the donors, as well as for all the careful planning being done to create an ideal venue.”

Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach John McCreery added that the new facility will “be a major asset in recruiting and is a huge step forward for the lacrosse programs at Vassar.”

While the fields will primarily serve the Brewers’ lacrosse and soccer teams, Director of Athletics and Physical Education Michelle Walsh emphasized that they will also be used for recreational, club, and intramural sports, as well as other varsity programs requiring an alternative to natural grass in inclement weather.

The center will be named in honor of Virginia “Ginnie” Cretella Mars ’51, P’82, GP’04, ’07, Wright’s mother, and a devoted supporter of the College. Mars studied art and drama at Vassar, sang in the choir, and began her teaching career after graduation. She later founded the Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation in 1994.

Mars remained deeply engaged with the College until her death in September 2024, serving in numerous leadership and volunteer roles and receiving the 2005 Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) Outstanding Service to Vassar Award. Over nearly five decades, she contributed $4 million to the Vassar Fund and supported major initiatives, including the fitness center, scholarships, scientific facilities, and the Richard L. Cretella Tennis Center, named for her brother.

“I think my mother would be very happy to know that we are supporting something that will benefit so many students,” Wright said. “Vassar helped shape the woman she became, and it has always been an important part of her life. To honor her in this way, while continuing her legacy of giving, is incredibly special to me.”

“We are profoundly grateful to the Mars family, who were instrumental in the funding of the Richard L. Cretella Tennis Center and are now leading the way on another key project to support the student-athlete experience here at Vassar,” said Michelle Walsh, the College’s Director of Athletics and Physical Education.

Following approval from the Town of Poughkeepsie, construction at the Prentiss Sports Complex is scheduled to begin this month. The lacrosse center is expected to be completed in time for the spring 2027 season.

To learn more about the Brewers lacrosse programs, other teams, intramural sports, and recreational opportunities, visit vassarathletics.com.

About Vassar College

Founded in 1861 and based in Poughkeepsie, Vassar is renowned for pioneering achievements in education, for its long history of curricular innovation, and for the beauty of its campus, just 85 miles north of New York City. Originally founded to provide women an education equal to that once available only to men, Vassar became coeducational in 1969.

The Vassar campus is located at 124 Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie, NY.